Hello (2008)

Once pigeonholed as a wispy beach babe, Tristan Prettyman has evolved into a bit of a blues mama on Hello. Though her brisk vocals on ''Echo'' suggest an undying allegiance to Ani DiFranco, the Southern-laced ''A Little Bit'' and the slow-burning ''California Girl'' (hint: This ain't the type of West Coast naïf the Beach Boys pined for) nod to Bonnie Raitt. Capping off the musical mood swings is ''In Bloom,'' a lushly orchestrated ballad that could've been a lost track from Fiona Apple's Tidal. It's a fitting song title for an artist who's maturing by the minute. B+
DOWNLOAD THIS: Listen to ''In Bloom'' on imeem.com